MP Nick Smith convicted of contempt of court

National MP Nick Smith has been found guilty of contempt of court.

In a reserved decision released this afternoon, Justices Wild and MacKenzie found Dr Smith, TV3 and Radio New Zealand to be in contempt of court after a five-day trial last month.

Dr Smith faced charges over his alleged interference in and criticism of a Family Court case.

The conviction raised the prospect that Dr Smith could lose his seat in Parliament.

Under the Electoral Act, MPs must automatically resign from Parliament if found guilty of any offence punishable by a jail term of two or more years.

There are no limits on the jail terms or fines which can be imposed for contempt of court.

- NZPA